The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Environment Agency have announced the launch of a Manage your Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (MESOS) system. MESOS was developed to allow participants to comply with the mandatory energy assessment scheme by completing their notifications of compliance. The deadline for submitting a notification of compliance has been extended to 5 June 2024. Any participants that do not meet this compliance notification deadline will not be subject to enforcement action by the Environment Agency, provided that an account is registered in MESOS by 5 June 2024, and a notification of compliance is submitted by 6 August 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy agreement between the UK and US governments, aimed at accelerating nuclear power station development through streamlined regulatory processes. Under the agreement, reactor design checks will be fast-tracked, allowing safety assessments from one country to support approvals in the other, potentially reducing licensing timelines from three to four years to approximately 24 months. As part of the initiative, five key commercial deals have been announced, including: (1) X-Energy and Centrica's project to build 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool; (2) Holtec, EDF and Tritax's project to develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire; and (3) Last Energy and DP World's plans to establish one of the world's first micro modular nuclear power plants, supported by £80m in private investment, among others. The partnership also extends to fusion energy, with joint UK-US experimental programmes using AI technology to develop advanced simulation tools, while test facilities will accelerate progress towards commercial fusion power.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced new measures for its Warm Homes Plan, with the aim of upgrading 300,000 homes in 2025. These measures include increased funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to facilitate heat pump adoption and the amendment of existing permitted development rights to remove the one-meter planning rule for heat pump installations in England, enabling more households to install air source heat pumps without obtaining planning permission from early 2025. DESNZ also plans to consult on raising minimum energy efficiency standards for rented homes by 2030 and improving standards for new boilers and heat pumps. In addition, it will introduce a reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism from 1 April 2025. DESNZ also announced a £1.29bn allocation for the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 and a £500m allocation for the Warm Homes: Local Grant as part of the Autumn Budget. These funds will be distributed over three years, from 2025 to 2028. In addition, it announced changes to the BUS. Due to a surge in applications, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband authorised an increase in the scheme's budget and granted Ofgem permission to over-allocate vouchers.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced an open call for evidence to inform the design of the Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA) supply chain fund. The GIGA is a £960m fund supporting sustainable energy supply chains across the UK, including carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS), engineered greenhouse gas removals and hydrogen. The government are seeking responses from anyone, including relevant manufacturers or technology providers, trade bodies and businesses within the hydrogen and/or CCUS sectors. This call for evidence closes on 23 April 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced a pilot scheme for England's first heat network zone, aimed at assisting businesses and building owners to access low-cost, low-carbon heating. Six towns and cities, including Leeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport, Sheffield, and two in London, have been selected to develop the country’s first heat network zones and will receive a share of £5.8m in government funding, with construction expected to commence in 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced plans to reform smart meter regulations. As part of this initiative, DESNZ has launched a consultation on the smart meter policy framework beyond 2025. The proposals include amendments to the smart metering Operational Licence Condition to introduce obligations to: (1) improve smart meter operations; (2) complete the domestic rollout by the end of 2030; and (3) submit annual deployment plans. The consultation closes on 3 October 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced plans to launch a consultation in early 2025 on measures to improve the integrity and use of voluntary carbon and nature markets (VCNMs) and implementing the government's Principles for Carbon and Nature Market Integrity. The consultation will seek views on clarifying standards for high-integrity markets, including the potential endorsement of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles and Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative’s Claims Code of Practice.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced plans to consult on new environmental guidance for oil and gas firms to provide industry stability, support investment, protect jobs, deliver economic growth, and meet climate obligations as the North Sea transitions to its clean energy future. This announcement follows the Supreme Court ruling in R (on the application of Finch on behalf of the Weald Action Group) v Surrey County Council and others [2024] UKSC 20, which requires regulators to consider the impact of scope 3 emissions and burning oil and gas in the Environmental Impact Assessment for new projects. The government will also seek to consult later this year on the implementation of its manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, expected to be concluded by spring 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a summary of proposals aimed at improving product standards for space and combination heaters. These proposals seek to update ecodesign and energy labelling legislation to facilitate heat electrification, reduce fossil fuel consumption, ensure legislative effectiveness, and improve energy labels. DESNZ intends to launch a consultation on these proposals by the end of 2024, once the draft statutory instrument is ready for publication.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has issued a press release announcing plans to boost minimum energy efficiency standards for all rented homes. Key measures include consulting on proposals to require private and social rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030, a new Warm Homes: Local Grant for low-income homeowners and private tenants, and the continuation of the Public Sector Decarbonisation scheme and Warm Homes: Social Housing fund. These initiatives are part of the government's Warm Homes Plan to make houses more energy-efficient and affordable to run.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at restricting the future licensing of new coal mines in the UK. The proposed legislation will amend the Coal Industry Act 1994, with the government having laid a Written Ministerial Statement confirming its intention to bring this legislation forward when Parliamentary time allows. Limited exceptions to the ban are anticipated for safety and restoration purposes, as well as to protect the historic rights of freeminers in the Forest of Dean. This announcement follows the closure of Britain's last coal-fired power station in October 2024, representing the end of coal-powered electricity generation in the country.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced that plug-in solar panels are now legal to buy and use across Great Britain from 27 August 2026, following independent safety testing and the introduction of a UK safety specification. Each plug-in solar kit can produce up to 800W of power and can be placed in outdoor spaces or on some balconies. However, users should check before purchasing or installing a panel whether landlord, freeholder or planning permission, or listed building consent, is required. Guidance on installation and permissions and a list of accredited devices and manufacturers are available.